This crack in a poured concrete foundation wall was observed on a previous home inspection our company Crown Inspection Solutions performed. (440) 521-5399
This crack although seems like a serious crack for most homeowners. This crack can be dealt with without excavatating.
There are two methods that are perferred.
1. Expandable two-component polyurethane.
2. Two- Component Epoxy
Most homeowners have encountered the frustrating problem of cracks in poured concrete basement walls and thus leads to stubborn water leaks after a heavy rain. They usually try to fix the crack with some type of caulking or tar base materials. This is only a tempory solution. Water will still fill the crack on the inside and cause efflorescence, which will push off the caulking and or tar. Then it will peel and look unsightly.
The determined homeowner will pull off the caulking and or tar and start to chisel the crack into a v-pattern and then apply a hydraulic cement to the opening. Hydraulic cement will not bond well with concrete in most cases...unless you use a bonding agent. In time, the concrete will move around shrinks and expands will indoubtable create openings for water to reenter the crack. Efflorescence will start coming up around the ridgid plug, will get loose and water will seep around the hydraulic plug.
A better repair method would be to keep the rainwater out of the crack. But excavating and repairing the foundation crack on the exterior may cost thousands of dollars and may not be permanent either. Because the waterproofing membrane that waterproofing contractors use only have a 15-20 life expectancy and then it will start breaking down.
Low Pressure Concrete Crack Injection
The main purpose of concrete crack injection is to permanently fill the full length and depth of the crack to keep water out. Then, water cannot deteriorate the concrete and widen the crack further.
Expandable two-component polyurethane
Over 95% of residential foundation cracks are non-structural. the only problem is the seepage of water. Expandable polyurethane is the best choice for most basement cracks. Polyurethane does not add structural strength, it just forms a barrier impenetrable to water. Also, polyurethane remains flexible, which allows for continuous natural movement of the concrete due to thermal shrinkage and expansion or settling. It also bonds well to dry or wet concrete. It can be used to repair wet oe even leaking walls.
The polyurethane forcefully expands, which ensures that the full depth and length of the crack is filled. It will fill a crack up to 20-24 inches thick!
Crown Inspection Solutions
20800 Center Ridge Rd.
Suite #323
Rocky River, Ohio 44116
http://www.ohioshomeinspector.com/
(440) 521-5399
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